The 5 M's of Language Learning

Learn fluent English in 3 months with our magic method

This is the most outrageous lie in the multibillion-dollar English language learning industry.

Of course, it's not impossible....if you are a language learning prodigy or you can immerse yourself in English for 7-8 hrs a day with a dedicated professional at your side, then you might be able to move from a good intermediate level (B2) to advanced (C1) in that time.

Check out this chart from Cambridge English.

But, let's face facts.

Most of you don't have the time or the energy to devote yourself to treating your English learning like a full-time job. There is also the issue of retaining what you learn.

And, I haven't even mentioned the cost....

Think about a time you did an intensive period of study.

At the end of the period, you were probably dreaming about the subject.

But six months later, how much did you still remember?

Acquiring a high level of fluency, accuracy, complexity, and eloquence in a second language takes most people years not months.

Did you notice that the four nouns above spell the word 'FACE'?

And it takes longer still if you have common adult responsibilities like a job, a family, a mortgage to pay, other training courses to take etc.

Bet it makes you wish you were a kid again, right?

Reaching C1 is a marathon, not a sprint

If you really want to become a C1 English speaker, you need to be patient and determined. More like a tortoise than a hare!

As well as patience and determination, you consider a long-term strategy rather than short-term tactics.

I've been working with adult English learners for over 20 years and have identified five areas you need to think deeply about.

You can watch a video here.

Motivation

We often think we're really motivated but never think about what we need to do to reach the goal. You have an advantage; your English is already very good. But, to make it better, you have to be realistic. Do you really need to sound like a native English speaker? Will you really be able to speak English as well as you speak your first language?

Even when we have a strong motivation, we often give up when things become difficult. What will keep you motivated every day? Remember habits are often more important than motivation when it comes down to making a real change in your life.

Mindset

Many of us are our own worst enemies. You have to take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Remember when you achieved something. What was your mentality like? What about when you failed at something? Was your frame of mind different?

The other factor that you need to consider is your language learning belief system. Do you really need a native English-speaking teacher? Does your grammar textbook help or hinder your progress?

Method

Once you have worked on your motivation and mindset, move onto the third M - method.

Don't believe the hype about language learning methods? If somebody had created a foolproof way to acquire fluency, they would be richer than Elon Musk!

Your method is what works for you. It may be a fusion of different approaches. It may work for some areas but not for others. You need to track and assess your progress: it something isn't working, make a change. Trial and error.

Materials

If you're like me, you've probably got lots of Language learning books, CDs, apps, and digital tools gathering dust in some physical or online storage space.

Materials help you learn but they don't teach you.

You need comprehensible input that you find interesting. That's it. Content that can be used for language learning purposes is everywhere. If you like football, find football-related resources. If fashion is your thing, subscribe to Vogue.

At B2 level, you can access a range of educational and general materials that can inform and entertain you.

Mentor

The final 'M' refers to people who can help you learn. This includes teachers, language coaches, conversational partners, friends and family with a similar or higher level of English, colleagues.

But, having a mentor who has been through the language learning process and knows how to motivate you when you feel down will help you reach your goal.

Most English teachers, trainers, and coaches are able to take on a mentoring role. As an added bonus, they are also skilled at explaining tricky bits of language, and finding ways to help you learn and keep you motivated.

What's important is that your main mentor challenges you, helps you stay focused, and keeps you motivated.

Phew, that was a long read.

Take a break, make yourself a coffee, and sit down and plan your strategy for reaching C1.

I'm planning to set up a C1 English Community soon so watch this space.